Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett dies at 76
Jimmy Buffett, the legendary musician and songwriter, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday.
He was 76 years old.
“Jimmy pa*sed away peacefully on the night of September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the tropical rocker’s loved ones said in a statement on Instagram. “He lived his life like a song until his last breath and he will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The ‘Margaritaville’ singer’s death was announced on social media just months after he was forced to quit several of his shows following a series of hospitalizations.
Speaking to fans in May, Buffett said he had to “address some issues that needed immediate attention,” before playfully adding, “Getting older is not for sissies, I promise you that.” .
“I also promise you that when I’m good enough to play, that’s what I’ll do in crab soup country,” he said at the time. “You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilling than I ever imagined as a little boy sitting by the Gulf of Mexico.”
“Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your incredible years of faithfulness, and just remember, ‘NOT AGAIN!’ Love to all,” he concluded his May 18 message.
A few months later, the iconic singer surprised lucky fans in Portsmouth, RI with an impromptu performance at a local bar.
Buffett, whose hits include “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” and “Trip Around the Sun,” has earned his stripes as one of music’s most captivating names with a career that spans 60 years.
Before his death, Buffett was preparing for the release of his new album, “Songs You Don’t Know by Heart.”
His stellar career, which has seen him release more than 50 albums, boasts a myriad of great hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including chart-topping hits ‘Margaritaville’, ‘Come Monday’ and ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’.
The majority of his albums have earned him gold, platinum, or multi-platinum plaques, and his success has seamlessly translated into sold-out shows and tours around the world.
Although he’s never won a Grammy — although he’s been nominated twice — Buffett has won multiple awards from the Country Music Association and was even inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Born on Christmas Day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the rocker grew up in Alabama where he became a fourth-generation avid sailor.
Later he put his love for sailing aside as he started to focus on music.
Along with his impressive discography, Buffett leaves behind his staggering billion-dollar fortune.
The singer was declared a billionaire by Forbes earlier this year after his numerous business ventures propelled him to earn his place among the wealthiest musicians.
His impressive $180 million stake in Margaritaville, his popular restaurant chain launched in 1985, along with $570 million from touring and recordings, all contributed to his staggering net worth.
The singer leaves behind his portfolio of planes and mansions worth $140 million, as well as his music catalog valued at $50 million.
“If you’re an artist, if you want to be in control of your life…then you have to be a businessman, whether you like it or not,” he told Forbes in 1994. “The businessman therefore evolved from the status of an artist.”
When he was not on stage, Buffett published several books, including children’s books alongside his daughter Savannah.
He occasionally dabbled in acting, where he played a handful of small roles or acted himself. Buffett’s last acting credit dates back to his appearance on the hit CBS show “Blue Bloods” in 2022.
Buffett leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagsvol, to whom he has been married since 1977, as well as his three children: Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.
